By Bonnie J. Bardos 

“How did it get so late so soon? It’s night before it’s afternoon. December is here before it’s June. My goodness how the time has flewn. How did it get so late so soon?” ~ Dr. Seuss

 

Here we are! December has shown up, bringing along winter, Saluda Hometown Christmas, the children’s workshop, and other Saluda traditions. Along historic Main Street, buildings and bridge sparkle with lights on dark evenings. Now, that is one thing I like about this time of year! Like Dr. Seuss, I wonder how it got late so soon.
Yesterday, after running errands here and there, then picking up a sculpture to bring back home, the old truck patiently plodded up, up, up, curving along 176, with blankets of heavy mist drifting over mountainsides pressing close. At times it was difficult to see, other times clear. Life’s like that, isn’t it? Watching dark tree trunks rise into whiteness, rocks appearing, then gone. You have a sense of being in a whole other world. You can’t really tell where you are, yet you know the way home—to a warm wagging tail, a good book, a hot cup of tea. It’s December, indeed.

 

Saluda Welcome Table is every Tuesday, with dinner from 5:30-6:30 p.m. in the fellowship hall of Saluda United Methodist Church. All welcome; donations accepted.

Saluda Historic Depot will have a Holiday Gallery featuring a variety of arts and craft items through Dec. 31, Thursday-Sunday, 12-4 p.m.

The Historic Saluda Committee meets Dec. 11 at 2 p.m. at Saluda Library. The City of Saluda will be picking up curbside leaves until Dec. 11.

Mark your calendars for the upcoming Saluda Hometown Christmas on Dec. 11 from 6-8 p.m. Come enjoy holiday refreshments offered by Saluda businesses and a variety of music from area artists at many of the venues. An Ecumenical service will be held at Saluda Presbyterian Church at 8:15 p.m. Thank you to our Saluda Business Association for sponsoring this long-time favorite event!

The annual Saluda Children’s Christmas Workshop will be held at the Saluda Fire Department on Dec. 12 from 9:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. and it’s free for kids five and up. If you’d like to be a helper, call Laura Fields at 828-749-4521.

Saluda Community Land Trust (SCLT) would love to have you volunteer or be a member. Learn more by visiting saludaclt.org or calling 828-749-1560. On Dec. 14, join in on SCLT’s litter pick-up day. Meet at Saluda Library 10 a.m. to get supplies. Call Susie Welsh at 828-749-3900 for details. Inclement weather date is Dec. 21.

All veterans are welcome to a free breakfast at Ward’s Grill on Dec. 17 from 8-10 a.m.

Be sure to save your box tops for Saluda School; collection boxes are at the library, post office, and at the school office. The holiday break will be from Dec. 19 – Jan. 3.

Need a special gift that helps Saluda and lasts longer than the holidays? Consider a brick paver for Pace Park with the name of your choice engraved. Proceeds go toward building public restrooms at this community park to be located beside M.A. Pace Store. For information, contact Catherine Ross at 828-749-3534 or carnc@charter.net.

Autumn Care residents would appreciate a visit, a card, or a kind gesture during the holidays. Autumn Care of Saluda is located at 501 Esseola Drive. For more information call 828-749-2261.

Happy December birthday to Judy Ward, Holly Wilkes, Theresa Wilkes, Perry Ellwood, Donnie Hunter, Jeff Bradley, Preston Mintz, Carolyn Morgan, Susan Casey, Jeff Jenkins, Nikki Ammerman, Cas Haskell, Mary O. Ratcliffe, Milton Thompson, Laura Fields, Lord Blanton, Beth Brand and Jim Carson.

Thank you, dear readers for reading this column. As ever, the goal is to make you feel like you’re enjoying a cup of hot tea and life in a friendly little mountain town called Saluda whether you live here or far away. Each and every one of you is special to my heart! Feel free to contact me at bbardos@gmail.com or 749-1153. I always love hearing from you! Or, stop by for holiday open studio, Saturdays from 1-3 p.m. this month. Call ahead to be sure. You may also visit bonniebardosart.com for more writing and art, or find me on Facebook.